PUBLIC HEALTH
APIRADEE TREERUTKUARKUL
Vichai: Will speed up import of cancer drug |
The Administrative Court yesterday ordered the reinstatement of former chairman Vichai Chokewiwat and the five other former members of the board of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO).
The six men were sacked by the cabinet last month on the recommendation of Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab, who appointed a new board.
They took their case to the Administrative Court, accusing Mr Chaiya of "dishonest intentions".
Mr Chaiya sacked Dr Vichai and the other board members on grounds the GPO's profits had been falling under their supervision. He appointed Thirachai Wuthitham, a former manager of the national football team, the new chairman, along with a new board.
Dr Vichai was appointed the GPO board chairman during the interim government of Gen Surayud Chulanont. He was a close aide to then public health minister Mongkol na Songkhla and a key advocate of compulsory licensing to bypass the patents of Aids, heart and cancer drugs last year. The move upset multinational drug companies.
Mr Chaiya strongly opposed the policy from his first day in office.
Dr Vichai said after the court hearing he was pleased with the verdict and would arrange an immediate meeting of the old board. He would also speed up the import of the cancer drug docetaxel for patients under the universal healthcare scheme.
The previous government announced the compulsory licensing policy in February 2006 and included docetaxel, also known as Taxotere, on the national essential drug list. But patients are still waiting for the medication.
Saree Ongsomwang, manager of the Foundation for Consumers, said the court's verdict raised hopes that state agencies could continue working effectively for the national benefit without political interference.
Supoj Ruchuphan, the public health minister's secretary, said Mr Chaiya disagreed with the verdict and would petition the Supreme Administrative Court within 30 days.
Under the GPO and State Enterprise Acts the minister had the right to appoint a new board to implement new government policy, according to Mr Supoj.
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